Tackling loneliness together

Research from People's Postcode Lottery has found that eight out of ten people over the age of 75 who regularly feel lonely say they never tell anyone about it.

Almost two-thirds of those aged between 16 and 24 feel lonely at least once a week and many are too embarrassed to speak out.

Nine in ten people are unaware of services operating in their area which can provide support for those affected by loneliness.

As the founder of Childline and The Silver Line, Dame Esther’s call comes as newly published research shows how loneliness affects different generations. It also reveals that many of those who regularly suffer from loneliness are reluctant to talk about it.

The data from People’s Postcode Lottery, which was compiled pre lockdown found that loneliness is a cross-generational issue.

Almost two thirds (61%) of 16-24-year-olds feel lonely at least once a week. More than a third (39%) of the 16-24-year-olds who had experienced loneliness and hadn’t told anyone about it said this was because they didn’t want to burden others. A similar number (38%) said they were too embarrassed to speak about it.

When it comes to older generations the research found that a fifth (20%) of 65-74-year-olds, and one in eight (15%) of over 75-year-olds, experience feelings of loneliness at least once a week.

People over the age of 75 who have felt lonely are the least likely to tell anyone how they are feeling, with eight in ten (81%) not telling friends or family they’ve been lonely. More than a third (38%) of those who had not told anyone they felt lonely said they don’t think it’s a serious enough problem to share.

Almost nine out of 10 people (87%) say they are not aware of support services in their area aimed at helping those who experience loneliness.

Since lockdown began in mid-March more people are expected to be experiencing feelings of isolation, a result of the safety measures in place that limit contact with friends, family and work colleagues.

The charity The Silver Line, which operates a 24/7 helpline and telephone friendship services for lonely older people, has seen demand for its helpline increase by up to 31% since the pandemic began.

Similarly, The NSPCC’s Childline service has also counselled nearly 7,000 young people and children struggling during the pandemic, as many report how lonely they feel despite everyone being at home and households feeling chaotic.

Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of The Silver Line and Childline, said: "Loneliness can be dangerous, it damages physical and mental health, and can lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. These two helplines, both supported by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, are perfectly placed to tackle loneliness, they are free, confidential, and offer support, The Silver Line for isolated older people, and Childline for children.

"The impact of the virus on young people has been profound, closing schools, and cutting vulnerable children off from the support of friends and teachers. Childline has received hundreds of contacts a day from young people who turn to the helpline because there is nobody else for them to confide in.

"The virus has also had a huge impact on millions of older people who have been completely isolated during lockdown. Many have told The Silver Line how anxious they have been, knowing that this vile illness is particularly dangerous in older age, and yet they too have nobody to talk to, to reassure them and allay their fears. For some, the joy of their lives is in normal times the company of their family and the friends and neighbours who visit them, so the virus separated them from the people who make their lives worth living.

"Loneliness is painful at any age. Whatever our age, the truth is that we humans need each other."

The players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised £5.5million over the past year for 32 charities working to tackle loneliness – including Missing People, Girlguiding, Volunteering Matters, and Re-engage - and is working with The Silver Line and Childline to support everyone experiencing isolating feelings during this challenging time.

Clara Govier, managing director of People’s Postcode Lottery, said: "Feelings of loneliness can impact anyone, no matter your age. The surge in demand reported by charities over the past three months highlights how vital it is that we address this cross-generational problem.

"Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we are able to provide the essential funding required to support charities as we all continue working together to eradicate loneliness."

If you are experiencing loneliness, or are concerned for someone else, please contact The Silver Line’s helpline on 0800 4 70 80 90 to access support.

Young people can contact Childline on 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline.org.uk.